It can worsen reflux symptoms in people with hiatal hernia and — not surprisingly — those with gastro esophageal reflux disease GERD. In studies of people with IBS, peppermint oil generally 0. Peppermint oil has other downsides besides its effects on the lower esophageal sphincter.
At high doses, it can be toxic to the kidneys, and you should not take it if you have gallstones or active gallbladder inflammation. Finally, check with your doctor if you take any other medication, because peppermint oil can boost the blood level of some medications, including the antidepressant amitriptyline Elavil, others and the statin simvastatin Zocor.
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Since then, multiple studies have confirmed peppermint oil to be a beneficial treatment for IBS. When it comes to digestive pain higher up in the digestive tract, such as heartburn due to GERD , peppermint might not be such a good idea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint can actually relax the sphincter muscle which closes off the stomach from the esophagus. This can cause stomach acid to pour back into the esophagus and make heartburn or GERD worse. If you have indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, or pain lower in your gut, then you may want to try peppermint.
Charabaty says the clinical evidence is pretty clear that coated capsules —available at health food stores, grocery stores, and online — are the way to go. Another option is peppermint gum. It may not have the direct impact of a peppermint capsule, but it still might be worth a try. The capsules have a coating that stops them dissolving when they pass through your stomach. Once the capsule reaches your bowel, it gradually releases the medicine. Peppermint oil capsules will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to take full effect.
If your symptoms do not improve, or get worse at any time, speak to your doctor. If you buy peppermint oil from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks. Speak to your doctor if you still have symptoms. If your doctor has prescribed peppermint oil, they may recommend that you take it for longer than 2 weeks. Follow the instructions from your doctor. Peppermint oil is not known to affect other medicines. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are thinking of using more than 1 medicine for your symptoms.
Some side effects of peppermint oil, such as heartburn may have a mild affect on your IBS, but only for a few days. Peppermint oil is not thought to affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Alcohol may make some side effects worse, such as dizziness. It's best to drink less alcohol while taking peppermint oil if it makes you feel dizzy, sleepy or confused. Some foods can cause irritable bowel syndrome IBS symptoms , such as stomach cramping and bloating. These foods vary from person to person. Peppermint oil is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
However, on rare occasions taking peppermint oil can cause dizziness for some people. If you feel dizzy, wait for it to wear off before you drive a car, ride a bike or use tools or machinery. There are several things you can do to help ease painful stomach cramps and IBS, such as:. Visit diet, lifestyle and medicines information for IBS. Page last reviewed: 12 July Next review due: 12 July Peppermint oil - Brand names: Apercap, Colomint, Colpermin, Mintec On this page About peppermint oil Key facts Who can and cannot take peppermint oil How and when to take peppermint oil Side effects How to cope with side effects of peppermint oil Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about peppermint oil.
About peppermint oil Peppermint oil is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? The usual dose of peppermint oil is 1 or 2 capsules, taken 3 times a day.
Wait at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine. This allows the peppermint oil capsules to work properly. It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to take full effect. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve. Common side effects include heartburn and indigestion. If you've bought peppermint oil from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks without checking with a doctor. To make sure peppermint oil is safe for you, tell your pharmacist or doctor before starting it if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to peppermint oil or any other medicine have liver disease or gall stones weigh less than 40kg around 6st 5lbs or are losing weight are allergic to peanuts some brands contain arachis oil, so it would be best to avoid those brands are 40 or over and have IBS, but have not had an attack for a while have noticed that the symptoms you were taking peppermint oil for have changed have noticed blood when you poo have suffered abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge difficulty or pain when peeing feel sick nausea or are being sick vomiting look paler than your usual skin tone, and feel tired recently had a high temperature are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant have digestive problems such as reflux disease, severe constipation or ulcerative colitis.
Swallow the capsules whole, with water. Do not break or chew them.
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